Health and Societies
The Health and Societies Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, cultural, and structural factors that influence public health and healthcare systems. The curriculum integrates public health principles, medical sociology, health policy, epidemiology, and research methodology, enabling students to analyze population health trends, understand social determinants of health, and evaluate interventions aimed at improving community well-being. Students engage in fieldwork, applied research, and collaborative projects, cultivating analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for careers or advanced academic study in public health and related fields.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, workshops, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in public health, sociology, and health policy. The program emphasizes quantitative and qualitative research, interdisciplinary approaches, and applied analysis, preparing graduates to assess health outcomes, develop evidence-based strategies, and contribute to community, policy, or research initiatives. Students leave the program with research competence, analytical skills, cultural literacy, and critical reasoning, fully prepared for professional or academic pathways in public health, health policy, social research, or health advocacy.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Health and Societies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Public Health
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Health and Societies
- Introduction to Public Health and Health Systems
- Medical Sociology and Social Determinants of Health
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
- Foundations of Community Health and Wellness
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Health and Society
- Health Policy and Systems Analysis
- Epidemiology and Population Health
- Community Health Interventions
- Electives: Global Health, Environmental Health, or Health Communication
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Applied Research Projects in Public Health
- Health Inequities and Social Justice
- Program Evaluation and Policy Assessment
- Electives: Behavioral Health, Infectious Disease Studies, or Health Economics
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Public Health Challenges
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Applied Project in Health Organizations, Research Institutions, or Policy Agencies
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Health and Societies program are prepared for careers in public health, health policy, research, community health organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies. Alumni may work as public health analysts, policy advisors, program coordinators, researchers, or pursue graduate studies in public health, health administration, epidemiology, or social sciences. The program equips graduates to analyze health systems, design evidence-based interventions, and implement strategies to improve population well-being. Graduates gain expertise to address health disparities, inform policy decisions, and lead community-focused health initiatives. With strong analytical, research, and communication skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments focused on health equity, population health, and applied public health research.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of public health principles, social and cultural analysis, applied research, and interdisciplinary study within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, experiential learning, and applied projects that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in public health and policy. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based approaches, preparing graduates to evaluate complex health issues, develop innovative interventions, and contribute meaningfully to professional and academic initiatives. For students passionate about population health, health equity, and applied research in society, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
